King James Version

What Does Genesis 11:9 Mean?

Genesis 11:9 in the King James Version says “Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from th...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. Babel: that is, Confusion”

Genesis 11:9 · KJV

Context

7

Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.

8

So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.

9

Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. Babel: that is, Confusion

10

These are the generations of Shem: Shem was an hundred years old, and begat Arphaxad two years after the flood:

11

And Shem lived after he begat Arphaxad five hundred years, and begat sons and daughters.

Read Genesis 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all th... This passage belongs to the primeval history section (Genesis 1-11) which establishes universal truths about God, humanity, sin, and divine purposes before focusing on Abraham and Israel. These chapters answer fundamental questions about human origins, the spread of wickedness, God's judgment, and the preservation of a righteous remnant.

Recurring patterns emerge: human sin escalating from individual disobedience to societal corruption, divine patience followed by judgment, gracious preservation of a remnant, and covenant promises ensuring redemptive purposes continue. The genealogies connect historical persons, demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises (blessing and multiplication), and trace the line leading to Abraham and ultimately Christ.

Key theological themes in this section include: (1) sin's destructive progression affecting all humanity; (2) God's righteous judgment while preserving mercy; (3) human pride and autonomy opposing divine sovereignty; (4) cultural development as both blessing and potential idolatry; (5) God's sovereign plan advancing despite human rebellion. These narratives provide the necessary context for understanding God's calling of Abraham and the covenant promises through which all nations will be blessed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The primeval history (Genesis 1-11) parallels ancient Near Eastern traditions including Sumerian King Lists (pre-flood longevity), Akkadian flood traditions (Atrahasis, Gilgamesh), and Mesopotamian city foundation myths. However, Genesis demythologizes these traditions, presenting monotheistic history rather than polytheistic mythology. The genealogies connecting Adam to Noah to Abraham provide historical framework absent in pagan myths.

Archaeological evidence confirms ancient urbanization (chapter 4's cities), agricultural development, metallurgy, and musical instruments emerging in Mesopotamia's early history. The Babel account reflects Mesopotamian ziggurat construction (stepped pyramid temples), particularly in Babylon. Linguistic diversity requiring explanation was obvious to ancient peoples, making the Babel narrative culturally relevant.

For Israel in covenant with Yahweh, these chapters explained their relationship to surrounding nations. All peoples descended from Noah, but Israel descended from Shem through Abraham—chosen for blessing all nations. The flood demonstrated God's justice and mercy: judging wickedness while preserving the righteous. This pattern would recur throughout Israel's history, assuring them that God's covenant faithfulness endures despite judgment on the wicked.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How should this truth about Abrahamic Line shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
עַל1 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֞ן2 of 19
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

קָרָ֤א3 of 19

“called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁמָהּ֙4 of 19

“Therefore is the name of it”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

בָּבֶ֔ל5 of 19

“Babel”

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

כִּי6 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שָׁ֛ם7 of 19
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

בָּלַ֥ל8 of 19

“did there confound”

H1101

to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder

יְהוָ֔ה9 of 19

“because the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

שְׂפַ֣ת10 of 19

“the language”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

כָּל11 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָאָֽרֶץ׃12 of 19

“of all the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וּמִשָּׁם֙13 of 19
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

הֱפִיצָ֣ם14 of 19

“and from thence did”

H6327

to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)

יְהוָ֔ה15 of 19

“because the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עַל16 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פְּנֵ֖י17 of 19

“upon the face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כָּל18 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָאָֽרֶץ׃19 of 19

“of all the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 11:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 11:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 10:5Genesis 10:10Acts 17:26Genesis 10:201 Corinthians 14:23Genesis 10:25

Places in This Verse

BabelSettlement · Modern: Babylon · 32.54°N, 44.42°E2 verses across 1 book
View all places in Genesis 11 →

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